Psychoanalysis
Definition
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud that aims to treat mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind.
Analogy
Imagine psychoanalysis as being a detective trying to solve a mystery case inside your mind. The clues are scattered across both visible areas (conscious mind) and hidden corners (unconscious mind). By piecing together these clues (thoughts, dreams, emotions), we can understand what’s driving our behavior.
Related terms
Dream Analysis: A key component in psychoanalysis which involves interpreting dreams to uncover unconscious desires or experiences. It’s like decoding a secret message that your mind sends you while you sleep.
Transference: This is when a person redirects feelings and desires unconsciously retained from childhood towards a new object - often their psychoanalyst. It's like having an old photograph and projecting it onto a blank canvas.
Resistance: In psychoanalysis, resistance is the patient's unconscious attempt to block revelations of repressed memories and conflicts. It’s like your mind building up walls to keep certain secrets hidden.
"Psychoanalysis" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (11)
Who was the founder of psychoanalysis?
How has Sigmund Freud's theory of psychoanalysis been evaluated by later generations of psychologists?
Who developed the theory of psychoanalysis?
In psychoanalysis, what term would be used for a patient redirecting their unconscious desires or feelings from an original object onto a substitute object?
What criticism might be levied against using psychoanalysis to treat phobic disorders?
How does psychoanalysis interpret obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms according to Freud's theories?
In psychoanalysis, what term refers to a patient's resistance against recognizing or recalling subconscious feelings?
Which piece of evidence supports the use psychoanalysis as a treatment method for psychological disorders?
Who is most known for establishing psychoanalysis as a treatment method for disorders?
Why might the use of psychoanalysis as a treatment for mental disorders be criticized?
How does the self-serving bias support the concept of ego defense mechanism in psychoanalysis?
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